The NAMI Walk is Almost Here!!!

The NAMI Walk is right around the corner!

You know you want to join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in increasing awareness of mental illness!

Event Details:
Date:  Sunday, Oct. 3

Location: South Side Works (Town Square)

Registration Begins: 9 a.m

Walk Start Time: 10 a.m.
Click here to register!

We look forward to seeing you at the 4th Annual NAMI Walk!

3 Days Until the NAMI Walk!!!

There are only three days left until the NAMI Walk!

You know you want to join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in increasing awareness of mental illness! Come walk with us on Sunday, Oct. 3 and be the difference. Register today!

Losing Lambert Wins Three Midatlantic Emmys

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is excited to report that the WQED documentary Losing Lambert: A Journey through Survival & Hope was the recipient of three 2010 Midatlantic Emmy Awards! Losing Lambert won Emmy Awards in the following categories: Health Program or Special, Community Service and Writer- Program. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is pleased to have introduced Kathy Fowler's moving story to writer and producer Dave Solomon, who eloquently spread her message of hope and advocacy.

Creating and fostering community partnerships are essential pieces of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's legacy. Interested in joining us in making a difference? Visit us online or call us at 412-366-3788 for more information!

Friday Five: Myths About ADD/ADHD in Children

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Myth #1: All kids with Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) are hyperactive.

Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.

Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention.

Children with ADD/ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.

Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they wanted to.

Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.

Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD.

ADD/ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.

Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD.

Medication is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise and proper nutrition.

This week's Friday Five myths were taken from Helpguide's online article, "ADD/ADHD in Children: Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder". For more about ADD/ADHD and other mental health information, be sure to visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

PeaceLove and the NAMI Walk

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How exciting! PeaceLove Studios is partnering with NAMI Walks across the country by providing art t-shirts that promote positive stories, creative expression, and most importantly, create conversations that build awareness and acceptance for mental illness. Each tee is an original piece of artwork created by PeaceLove artists.

PeaceLove art t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Walk for $25 with $10 from each sale benefiting NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Interested in a shirt? Be sure to be at the 4th Annual NAMI Walk on Sunday, Oct. 3! Interested in PeaceLove Studios? Find them on Facebook or visit their website!

NAMI Walk 2010: Visiting the South Side Works and the Three River Heritage Trail

With the Walk less than 2 weeks away, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania staff members spent the morning at Town Square in South Side Works and walking the Three River Heritage Trail in preparation for the 4th annual NAMI Walk.

The Three River Heritage Trail is maintained by Friends of the Riverfront through their Riverfronts Naturally Trail Care program. Friends of the Riverfront works to increase awareness and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s rivers and riverfronts through activities, stewardship and expansion of water and land trails. We are grateful for their efforts to restore natural vegetation, provide sustainable habitat for wildlife, reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides and maximize the innate beauty of the landscape!

Want to get in on the action and help NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania stomp out stigma? Register to walk with us today!

Tomorrow: Mad Mex Fiesta in Robinson!!!

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There's still time to join our fiesta!  Come out tomorrow, Sept. 21 for a fun and delicious benefit dinner at the popular Mexican restaurant Mad Mex in Robinson!

The party begins at 7 p.m. Your $25 donation to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania covers the cost of appetizers, entree, soft drinks, dessert and gratuity. Cash bar is available. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefits NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania!

For more information or to reserve your seat at our fiesta, call Alan Corn at (412) 281-7333 or email acorn@cartallegheny.org. Seats are limited, so call today!

Friday Five: Facts About the NAMI Walk

- The NAMI Walk is the largest national fundraising event for mental illness. It is held in 70 communities across the country and expects to raise eight million dollars.

- The NAMI Walk is more than a fundraising event. Each year it raises a tremendous amount of awareness and helps us to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

- Locally, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will be holding its 4th annual walk. We expect over 2,000 participants and plan to raise $135,000.

- There is no registration fee for the walk. All participants are encouraged to collect donations from family members, friends and co-workers. All walkers raising $100 or more will receive a NAMI Walk t-shirt.

- All the funds collected by walkers will be used to fund NAMI’s programs including support, education and advocacy involving schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders.

Event Details:

Date:  Sunday, Oct. 3

Location: South Side Works (Town Square)
Registration Begins: 9 a.m
Walk Start Time: 10 a.m.
Click here to register!

We look forward to seeing you at the 4th Annual NAMI Walk!

Support for Veterans - A Community Effort

On Oct. 21, VA Pittsburgh will be hosting the conference Support for Veterans - A Community Effort.  The focus of this conference is to help care providers and the religious community better understand some of the physical and behavioral health issues associated with reintegration into the community.  The conference is intended for care providers and the religious community who have contact with veterans, their spouses and children. 

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Event details:

Date:  Oct. 21

Location: VA Pittsburgh (7180 Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218)

Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

For more information, contact Kimberly Hall at 412-244-1244 or visit the Allegheny County Veterans Services home page. For more information about mental health and related services, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Wesley Spectrum’s Tour of Homes to Benefit Children with Education, Mental Health and Family Support Needs

Wesley Spectrum’s Tour of Homes, sponsored by Heartland Homes, will be held on Sunday, October 10th from Noon to 5:00 pm in the South and North Hills. This year, Wesley Spectrum is celebrating its 20th Annual South Hills Tour of Homes, and proudly introducing its First Annual North Hills Tour of Homes.

Tour attendees will head home with exciting and creative ideas for their own building, renovation, decorating, design and landscaping projects. The South Hills Tour of Homes will include:
• A white brick Colonial on Larchmont Drive in Mt. Lebanon’s Virginia Manor community
• A Patio home on Jefferson Court in the Mt. Lebanon retirement community of Providence Point
• A traditional brick home with a Contemporary ambiance on Forest Estates Drive in Upper St. Clair
• Two exquisite homes on Hunter’s Path in the Fox Chase Lane plan of Upper St. Clair

Homes on the North Hills tour include:
• A Castle in Marshall Township built on three wooded acres
• A spectacularly innovative home with a circular architectural design in Franklin Park
• A LEED certified Green house in Lake MacLeod
• A magnificent Tudor home in Marshall Township with an idyllic outdoor entertaining space
• An elegant Victorian reproduction in McCandless


All proceeds from this event benefit the programs of Wesley Spectrum Services. Wesley Spectrum provides a diverse range of education, mental health and social services to individuals and families in western Pennsylvania. Visit www.wesleyspectrum.org for further details.

Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition Meeting

The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition, in conjunction with Peer Power Network, will be holding an initial meeting on Friday, Oct. 29!

This meeting will give an opportunity to:

- Meet current Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition regional representatives
- Meet representatives from The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association (PMHCA)
- Attend a presentation by author and post-trauma wellness coach Katherine F.H. Heart, M.Ed.
- Receive Certified Peer Specialist Continuing Education credits for participating in Ms. Heart's presentation

Meeting Details:

Date: Friday, Oct. 29
Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL)

For additional information, contact Charlene Saner at 412-378-8297 or at charlenesaner@peerpowernetwork.org.

For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa., visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter

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It is often said that laughter is the best medicine.  Laughter and humor have physical, mental and social benefits and can strengthen your immune system, boost energy and help you cope with stress.

Read more about the benefits of laughter in Helpguide's online article, Laughter is the Best Medicine.

For more information about mental health, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an average of almost 3,000 people die by suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.

The Take 5 To Save Lives campaign is a project of the National Council of Suicide Prevention and is supported by other national organizations.  The Take 5 To Save Lives website offers five ways you can become informed and involved in five minutes. 

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania also provides information on suicide on its website.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Fall is right around the corner!

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The temperature is dropping (along with the leaves) and sunlight is gradually decreasing. For some, this decrease in sunlight can trigger symptoms of depression associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – with periods of normal mood during the rest of the year.

According to NAMI's online information sheet, common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can include oversleeping, daytime fatigue, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, lethargy, hopelessness, lack of interest in normal activities and social withdrawal.

Treatment for SAD is individualized, and can include light therapy, in which bright fluorescent light is used to alleviate symptoms. Light intensity, duration and time of light exposure are important factors in achieving optimal results, and light dosage will vary from person to person. The Center for Environmental Therapeutics offers online self-assessment tools that can help you determine if you are a good candidate for treatment prior to seeking a diagnosis.

For more information about SAD and other mental health issues, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website or call the office at 412-366-3788.

Information for this post was taken from NAMI's SAD online information sheet, reviewed by Michael Terman, Ph.D., Director, Winter Depression Program, New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center. New York City (February, 2004).

NAMI Walk Drawing Near

We are happy to report that, with one month to go before the NAMI Walk, we are over 40 percent of the way to our fundraising goal of $135,000. With generous sponsors and 60 teams pre-registered online, we are confident that the 4th Annual NAMI Walk will be our most successful to date.

4th Annual NAMI Walk

Sunday, Oct. 3

SouthSide Works & Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Registration: 9 a.m.

Walk Start: 10 a.m.
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)*

Join us for a fun morning of entertainment, kids' activities, refreshments, team photos and more.  It is truly a celebration of recovery!  Register today.  

All proceeds benefit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in its mission to provide support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected by mental illness.    

*Shorter distances can be walked.

Self-Help for Adult ADD/ADHD

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Living with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be challenging, but there are many lifestyle changes that can be beneficial for dealing with symptoms. Helpguide discusses many of these tips in the online article "Self-Help for Adult ADD/ADHD: Tips for Managing Symptoms and Getting Focused" by Jocelyn Block, M.A., and Melinda Smith, M.A. This Helpguide article offers tips for managing stress, getting organized, staying focused at work and much more!

For more information on ADD/ADHD, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Friday Five: Facts About Schizophrenia

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- Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history. About one percent of Americans have this illness.

- People with the disorder may have a variety of symptoms, including hearing voices, paranoid thoughts, hallucinations and/or disordered thinking.  Symptoms vary from person to person. 

- Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45. Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing.

- Experts think schizophrenia is caused by genetic and environmental factors.  Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Treatments include antipsychotic medications and various psychosocial treatments.

- The outlook for people with schizophrenia continues to improve. Although there is not yet a cure for schizophrenia, treatments that work well are available. Many people with schizophrenia lead meaningful lives in recovery.

(This week's Friday Five facts are taken from the National Institute of Mental Health's Schizophrenia booklet. For more information about Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.)

Fiesta Time!

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Join us for a fun and delicious benefit dinner at the popular Mexican restaurant Mad Mex in Robinson on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

The fiesta begins at 7 p.m. Your $25 donation to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania covers the cost of appetizers, entree, soft drinks, dessert and gratuity. Cash bar is available. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefits NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania!

For more information or to reserve your seat at our fiesta, call Alan Corn at (412) 281-7333 or email acorn@cartallegheny.org. Seats are limited, so call today!

Coping with Social Anxiety

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According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Social Anxiety Disorder is "the extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance situations". Though the fear is recognized as excessive, those with Social Anxiety Disorder often feel powerless in the face of their anxiety; often, anxiety will impact the daily routines, social life and job performance of those living with the disorder.

Interested in finding out more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder? Helpguide's online article, "Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Self-Help and Treatment" discusses symptoms and triggers of social anxiety as well as treatment options. In addition, the Centre for Clinical Interventions offers their online Infopax, "Shy No Longer," which gives an overview of the disorder and includes suggestions for decreasing anxiety through techniques such as breath control and progressive muscle relaxation.

Be sure to visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for information about Social Anxiety Disorder and other mental health disorders, as well as information on recovery and wellness!